Lazar Markovic: Everything you need to know about the £20million Liverpool target

Brendan Rodgers will rebuild his attacking firepower this summer with Bite-ban striker Luis Suarez on his way to La Liga. Southampton's Adam Lallana is already on the brink of a move, but Benfica's Lazar Markovic is the next target. But what's so special about this 20-year-old? Jonny Singer gives his pass notes on the Serbian starlet.

So, who is Lazar Markovic?

Well, he's still pretty new on the block. After breaking through at Partizan Belgrade, Markovic really hit the big time with a move to Portuguese side Benfica in July. Now, having turned 20, he's commanding a lot of attention, with seven goals for his new club last season.

They certainly were. In fact, the Partizan chairman thought a move to Chelsea this summer was practically a done deal, and the youngster was linked again during January. But Benfica, with more playing time and a strong collection of Serbian players seemed a better bet. With the Blues now covered in those areas, Liverpool are closing in on a move.

So is he a like-for-like replacement for Suarez?

Not exactly. Markovic can play up front, and he has a decent goalscoring record, but predominately he's a wide player, though he can also play in the hole.

Target: Markovic will undergo his medical at Anfield on Thursday ahead of his move

What are his strengths?

Above all, he's extremely quick. Expect him to trouble Spurs, because he has a turn of pace that would worry any Premier League defender and, most of the time, the touch to go with it. He likes to cut inside from the left onto his right foot, and has terrific balance when running with the ball.

He's not yet a prolific goalscorer, but he certainly knows how to finish, as his goals against Wales and this beauty against Guimaraes show...

Which Premier League player is he most like?

He doesn't quite have the trickery of an Eden Hazard, but he's certainly that kind of player. But he isn't at that level yet, and still has a lot of work to do before he's ready to be a Premier League star.

In demand: Markovic was watched by the Premier League's top clubs, and Liverpool look close to signing him